Gary Farrell Chardonnay La Rinconada Vineyard Santa Rita Hills 2021

Add 2 bottles to the cart and receive an additional 45% off!

Gary Farrell is a Russian River Valley legend, with over four decades of top Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and more! However, today we have a single-vineyard Chardonnay from a different location – arguably one of the greatest sites in the entire Central Coast, for an INSANE price when you order 2 or more bottles (this normally goes for $65)! 94 points, too?! Uhhh, yeah... sign me up!

Gary Farrell is an icon and pioneer of the Russian River Valley, releasing his first wine under his eponymous label in 1982 and being among the first producers to showcase the excellence of the region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Though they’ve changed ownership a few times over, the focus on small-lot, single-vineyard, elegant wines has remained a constant. Today, the winery is in the skilled hands of The Vincraft Group, led by three accomplished industry veterans, and Brent McKoy has stood as head winemaker since 2023, though he’s been a part of the cellar team since 2005.

While they tend to be revered for their Russian River Valley wines, Gary Farrell has access to top vineyards from all over the state, as evidenced in this Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay. Coming from the windy hill of Sanford & Benedict’s famed La Rinconada vineyard, replete with Chardonnay’s favorite terroir of loamy clay and shale, this is like something out of a fever dream. The flawless, undeniably epic 2021 vintage, coupled with Sanford & Benedict, a famed winery at the peak of their powers, which basically launched Central Coast wines back in 1971 when they planted the first Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County... you couldn’t ask for a better mash-up!

One sip is all it takes to see why. This impeccably layered beast of a Chardonnay showcases that oh-so perfect medley of crunchy, flinty, river rock minerality, zippy lemon and Ruby Red grapefruit, with kiss of golden apple, and an entire spicebox of warm, nutty, and toasty accents that rip into your chest and give your heart a loving squeeze. Vigorous swirls, a wee bit of oxygen, and a dash of tempering in your glass – and this beauty shows the sort of lingering finish that bears an uncanny resemblance to Grand Cru White Burgundy. Not much to be had of this – but if you can, get a handful. You’ll be wanting to check in on this over the next decade! Let’s go!

PAIRING IDEAS: Go for a bold and vibrant beer-battered fish taco situation, complete with tangy Mexican slaw and smoky salsa verde. Nothing better with this all-around expressive Chardonnay!